Adult Vaccinations: WHO Cares... does New Zealand?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), vaccination is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions known.

“It is no surprise then, that almost 90% of New Zealand adults surveyed in a 2013 report wanted healthcare providers to give them more information on adult vaccination” said Dr Graeme Jarvis, General Manager at Medicines New Zealand.

Two vaccine experts agree with this view that healthcare professionals should discuss options for vaccinations with their adult patients.

“Adult vaccination, particularly for those in the 20-45 age group, is the poor cousin of childhood vaccination” states Dr Stewart Reid, a vaccines expert. “There is no comprehensive adult vaccination schedule in New Zealand” he added.

Dr Nikki Turner, Director of the Immunisation Advisory Centre, agrees and noted that “today we have more vaccines both available and recommended for adults than ever before, with new additions on the horizon.”

“Preventative care is an essential element of public health and it seems New Zealand’s adult population are not always equipped with the right information to benefit from vaccine-preventable diseases”, she added.

An educational seminar by Dr Nikki Turner at the NZ College of Primary Health Care Nurses NZNO Conference in Wellington on 1 August 2015 and a symposium at the General Practice Conference and Medical Exhibition (GPCME) in Christchurch by Dr Stewart Reid on 16 August 2015 are being supported by Medicines Zealand.

“We are delighted to help raise the profile of adult vaccination as a cost effective public health treatment at these two important healthcare professional events” said Dr Jarvis.